1. Volume 2, Issue 4 – Fourth Quarter 2012
RETAINED – Chief Actuary – Southwest, USA: Regional health carrier
is looking for an ASA or FSA for their Chief Actuary role. This person will
be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Actuarial function
including pricing, reserving and forecasting. This role is also responsible
for the management of a small Actuarial team. (#36053)
RETAINED – Actuary, Director of Risk & Capital Management –
Canada: Life insurance company seeks Actuary at the Fellow level. Must
have strong understanding of life products and financial risk. Financial
modeling and MCCSR regulations knowledge is preferred. (#35882)
RETAINED – Health Consultant – West, USA: Our client has asked
us to locate a health consultant with solid health & welfare experience.
This position will be responsible for managing dental and disability client
accounts. Will be responsible for training junior staff. Actuarial credentials
desired. (#36112)
RETAINED – Actuarial Consultant – Midwest, USA: Leading health
consulting firm seeks Actuary with ASA or FSA designation. Work will
include employee benefit underwriting along with managing/mentoring
junior staff members for product pricing. A minimum of 12 years Actuarial
experience is preferred for this position. (#35957)
800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 actuaries@dwsimpson.com www.dwsimpson.com
If you are not looking for a new job, then please continue read-
ing this article…
As an Actuary, it is likely that you receive calls from recruiters
several times a year. More often than not, you probably do not
feel it is necessary to respond to these calls… which makes
sense, especially given you are likely happy in your current
position. However, there are many benefits to speaking with a
recruiter regardless of your current situation.
While the ultimate goal of a recruiter may be to help you find
your next position, you should also view recruiters as a re-
source for helping you stay current with the Actuarial employ-
ment market.
Depending on your tenure in the industry, you probably have
a solid grasp of the insurance employment market, particularly
with regard to the companies for which you have worked. While
that knowledge is invaluable, understanding the job market
from a broader perspective can also benefit you and your
career.
Just as part of your job is to maintain an in-depth understand-
ing of your day-to-day responsibilities, including future trends
that might affect your job, our role as recruiters is to understand
all aspects of the Actuarial employment market. By taking a
recruiter’s call, you can stay educated and up-to-date on job
market trends within your industry. The information you gather
in an initial (or resumed) conversation with a recruiter also can
be used to educate you regarding new options that can affect
your career trajectory. Perhaps, through these discussions
you may encounter a career path that you heretofore had not
thought of as a possibility? Just ask a former life Actuary who
now works on a trading desk on Wall Street.
Continued on page 2
RETAINED – AVP of Actuarial & Research Analytics – Northeast,
USA: This position is responsible for leading a team of Actuaries as well
as enterprise-wide predictive modeling efforts. This is a highly visible
position and will report directly to the Chief Actuary. Candidate should
have 8+ years of P&C experience with emphasis on analytics and product
development. (#34991)
RETAINED – Actuarial Vice President – Northeast, USA: International
life insurer seeks Actuarial Vice President with FSA designation and
several years of experience. Solid pricing and product management
background desired. This position will be responsible for creating individual
life product solutions. (#36172)
RETAINED – Actuary, Director of Risk & Capital Management –
Canada: Life insurance company seeks Actuary at the Fellow-level. Must
have strong understanding of life products and financial risk. Financial
modeling and MCCSR regulations knowledge is preferred. (#35882)
RETAINED – Managing Director – Northeast, USA: Leading global
consultancy firm seeks a Managing Director for their life Actuarial practice.
Strong business development abilities as well as a broad background in life
insurance will be vital to this role. Successful candidates will be seasoned
consultants with strong leadership skills. (#37182)
Happy At Your Job? This Call’s For You!
S P O T L I G H T I N G T R E N D S
H O T J O B S !

2. Please also remember that recruiters are calling you for a reason. In DW Simpson’s
case, we have been in the industry for more than two decades, so it is likely we
know you, or are quite familiar with your background and/or the group in which you
are working. When potential employers come to our firm with open positions, they
look to us to contact the most qualified individual. That very well might be you!
Again, you very well may be content with your current position. As such, this puts you
in a position of strength. You may not need a job today; however, in speaking with
a recruiter you’ll become an Actuary with an increased knowledge of the industry…
which just might translate into you becoming a stronger candidate when it comes time
to make a move. DWS
800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 actuaries@dwsimpson.com www.dwsimpson.com
RELOCATION = ADVENTURE
By: Bob Morand
President and Managing Partner
One of the nicer aspects of business travel
is visiting locations one might otherwise not
think of visiting. Bermuda is, for example,
one destination that immediately comes
to mind. I travel to Bermuda four or five
times a year for client visits and various
conferences. It’s really a wonderful place
that blends cutting edge work in the (re)
insurance industry, subtropical island beauty
and year-round weather that can’t be beat.
Now, I recognize that some might have
issue with Bermuda’s humidity and the
occasional hurricane. But, heck, that’s what
shorts and knee-high socks are for, right?
Whenever the plane is about to touch down
in Bermuda, as we glide over the beautiful
turquoise waters that surround the island, I feel
a strong sense of adventure. And while I know
I’m only going to be there for two to three days,
it still excites me to know that people have
moved their lives to this lone rock in the middle
of the Atlantic, are making a fantastic living in
their chosen industry, and are doing so in a
more than aesthetically pleasing environment.
Which gets me to thinking about relocating in
general. If you as a professional are open to
relocation, the increase in career opportunities
foryoutoconsiderisgreat,especiallyintoday’s
market for Actuarial and insurance analytics
talent. The demand for you is, pretty much,
everywhere these days in North America.
Of course, there are some who would never,
EVER, think of leaving, say, Philadelphia.
That’s okay – Philadelphia needs inhabitants,
too. But, if you’re game and you’ve spent
the majority of your life in and around Des
Moines, why not give Chicago, Cincinnati or
(gasp!) New York a whirl? Especially if you’re
at a stage in your life (young) without the usual
familial responsibilities (spouse/kids). Time
and again people have told me what a great
experience they had when they relocated to
City X for Y number of years. The majority of
these individuals approached relocation as a
professional and personal adventure. Sure,
there always are going to be a few pangs of
discomfort when you move from Seattle to San
Antonio;however,thosepangsdissipaterather
quickly when one immerses himself/herself
in both the new job and new environment.
Of course, in the recruiting profession, we
work with people who relocate all the time.
Some don’t think twice about it. For others,
it is a daunting proposition. It’s not for
everybody, I understand. But, again, if you’re
game, it can be a very rewarding experience,
both professionally and personally. And,
just to assure you, Philadelphia and
Des Moines will always be there. DWS
Happy At Your Job? This Call’s For You! continued
S P O T L I G H T I N G T R E N D S
H E L P F U L T R AV E L A P P S
Yelp is a must have for every traveler. Use the map to
locate great places to eat, drink, shop and play. With
reviews from locals & travelers just like you, Yelp can help
you find that perfect place to eat, and even book a
reservation to beat the crowd.
AccuWeather is the go to weather app for hourly and 15
day forecasts. Track storms with AccuWeatherʼs live
weather maps, or watch a real meteorologist report the
news using your current location. You can also see weather
updates in your calendar and notification center.
TweetDeck is the perfect tool to connect with Twitter and
Facebook from your mobile device. Most Actuarial
meetings have their own apps & hashtags (i.e. #SOAAnnual
or #CASAnnual). Follow hashtags, keywords and specific
Twitter feeds to find out whatʼs going on around you.
FlightView is a free app that lets you track flights, receive
status alerts, check gate assignments, find baggage claim
information and view flight maps with a weather radar
overlay. Save your flight itineraries for quick access and
add your own notes (hotel, rental car, etc).
Photoshop Express is a fun and easy way to spruce up
your favorite travel pictures. You can crop, rotate & adjust
your photos in seconds. Then choose from a list of creative
filters and borders before you post to Facebook, tweet or
email to family and friends.
Google Translate is an app for the global traveler.
Translate between 64 languages by typing or speaking into
your phone. The results show up on your screen to share
with others, or press play to listen to your translations
aloud. Your history is then saved for offline use.

3. Helpful Tips for Video Conferencing and Skype
With the use of video technology on the rise, more and more interviews are being
conducted ‘live’ over a computer screen versus ‘live’ in person. This means that
candidates often need to brush up on tips for successfully coming across in this type
of interview. Most interviews are conducted over Skype which is a free software
application and requires only a webcam. Below are some tips for a successful
video interview.
1Arrive to the conference
room or Skype location
about 5-10 minutes early
and be sure you are
prepared for the call.
Have you researched
the company? Have you
thought about answers
to potential interview
questions? Are you familiar
with the conference medium
and can you troubleshoot
any mishaps? Expect some
technical issues – have
patience when technical
issues arise.
2Be yourself! Imagine that the other participants are sitting in the same room with
you. Speak naturally and clearly, but remember to pause occasionally so that
others may make comments.
3Be energetic, enthusiastic and responsive. Remember that this type of interview
should be handled just as an onsite interview:
· Allow good give and take during the call. Try not to dominate the conversation.
· Ask appropriate questions – this shows interest on your part and shows you’ve
done your research.
· Do not let your guard down. Speak to everyone as if they were the President
of the company.
· Being too casual regardless of level is a common mistake.
4In terms of attire/clothing, avoid busy or boldly patterned clothing, especially red
or black. Avoid jewelry that may brush against things, or be distracting. Solid,
muted colors are recommended. Choose the same attire you would for a formal in-
person interview (i.e. a full suit).
5Make sure the room in which you are sitting is tidy and neat. You don’t want the
interviewer to be distracted by disorder.
6Try a test call before the actual interview. Call a friend or family member to
assure that you can be heard and that you appear presentable and professional.
Also, check the lighting so that you can properly be seen.
7Keep in mind that any prospective employer is looking for specific traits in a
candidate so exhibit them rather than take for granted that they are evident on
the resume, or will naturally arise during the interview.
· Energy, Ambition, and Work Ethic – Employers look for candidates who possess
all of these traits.
· Dynamic – Employers want candidates who are not only technically oriented or
good at math, but someone who is articulate and can explain technical matters
to a non-technical audience.
· Intellectual Curiosity – The interviewing company will not necessarily expect you
to know how to perform the day-to-day responsibilities immediately. However,
you have to convey a willingness and desire to learn. DWS
800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 actuaries@dwsimpson.com www.dwsimpson.com
V I D E O C O N F E R E N C I N G 1 0 1
DW Simpson has awarded more than
$150,000 in scholarships in the past
15 years to Juniors entering their
Senior year who are studying Actu-
arial Science, or related mathematics
fields.
Participating universities include:
 Ball State University
 Drake University
 Florida State University
 Howard University
 Illinois State University
 University of Connecticut
 University of Illinois
 University of Iowa
 University of Texas at
Austin
Additionally, DW Simpson offers
two $1,000 scholarships each year
through our website
www.dwsimpson.com/scholarships
and have supported the International
Association of Black Actuaries’ schol-
arship programs.
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4. 1800 West Larchmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
p: (800) 837-8338nue / f: (312) 951-8386
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800-837-8338 / 312-867-2300 actuaries@dwsimpson.com www.dwsimpson.com
DW Simpson will be attending the following
Meetings, Seminars and Conferences:
 CABER Golf Outing
October 4
Hamilton, Bermuda
 Society of Actuaries Annual Meeting & Exhibit
October 14 - 17
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
National Harbor, MD
 Casualty Actuarial Society Annual Meeting
November 11 - 14
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Lake Buena Vista, FL
 Southeastern Actuaries Conference
November 14 - 16
Royal Sonesta Harbor Court
Baltimore, MD
 Caribbean Actuarial Association Conference
November 15 - 16
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
Nassau, Bahamas
 CAGNY Fall Meeting
December 6
New York, NY
C O M PA N Y E V E N T S
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Browse hundreds of jobs, download our salary survey, find your
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Mission Statement
To be the premier search firm specializing in the
placement of Actuaries and related quantitative
professionals throughout the world; to be
recognized for the best service, integrity and
forthrightness that the firm brings to each and
every business relationship; and to be willing at all
times to sacrifice short-term gain for the
long-term good of our clients and candidates.